Photo By Chief Petty Officer Elizabeth Reisen | Vice Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Rear Adm. Mike Shatynski speaks to approximately...... read more read more
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LOS ANGELES - Vice Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Rear Adm. Mike Shatynski spoke to approximately 200 American Legionnaires at Hollywood Post 43 today to kick off festivities for Navy Week Los Angeles.
Shatynski also spent the evening touring the historic post, dining with Legionnaires, and answering any questions from the legion about the U.S. Navy.
“We were extremely thrilled to have the admiral here to speak to our membership. It was a great honor,” said Commander, American Legion Post 43, Jeric Wilhelmsen. “I think [the visit] reinforced their patriotism and their admiration for the armed forces,” said Wilhelmsen.
During his speech, Shatynski emphasized the importance of the U.S. Navy coming to Los Angeles.
“Though most of its citizens today may not realize it, Los Angeles maintains a rich maritime heritage,” said Shatynski.
Today, the Port of Los Angeles is the busiest port in the United States, handling over $190 billion in cargo annually.
In 1991, the U.S. Navy had 38 ships and 17,000 personnel assigned to Naval Station Long Beach before the base was targeted for Defense Base Realignment and Closure. The base was established during World War II to provide routine and battle damage repairs for tankers, cargo ships, troop transports, destroyers and cruisers within their dry docks.
The Navy continues to have a maritime presence close to Los Angeles at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach and Naval Base Ventura County-Port Hueneme.
The visit had nostalgic significance to World War II Navy veteran, Frances Kilduff. During the war, he served as a machinist’s mate refrigeration mechanic first class on board the USS Kasaan Bay and USS Fremont.
“The admiral was very personable and well spoken,” said Kilduff. “It took me back to the war to see a high ranking officer… it was almost like being back on a ship again listening to him,” said Kilduff.
Shatynski encouraged veterans from the post to come out and witness today’s Navy.
“During this Los Angeles Navy Week, I ask you, your family, and friends to visit the waterfront to talk to our sailors, hear their stories and learn what they are doing today,” said Shatynski.
According to Kilduff, even though he is unable to climb the ladders required to tour the USS Abraham Lincoln with fellow Legionnaires for ship tours next week; he looks forward to seeing the Navy Band play a public concert at Hollywood and Highland on July 28th.
Over 4,000 sailors and U.S. Navy ships USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Princeton, USS Chafee and USS Champion will travel to the Port of Los Angeles and participate in more than 100 community events during Navy Week from July 25 - 31.
The U.S. Navy conducts approximately 20 Navy Weeks each year, reaching out to communities across the country to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy.
For more information about Navy Week Los Angeles, please see www.navyweek.org/losangeles2011.
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.20.2011 04:16 |
| Story ID: | 73990 |
| Location: | LOS ANGELES, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 147 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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